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5th February 2007

Fast Cat

With rotor blades spinning at full speed a Royal Air Force Puma helicopter climbed into the air taking with it six lucky air cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron.

The privileged cadets from Bedford were on board the helicopter for an hour and a half on Wednesday 31st January 2007, and got to experience first hand the role of 33 Squadron, the operators of the Puma support helicopter.

Taking to the air from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, were Cadets Keifer Clarke, 14 yrs, Nicolas Every, 13 yrs, April Hobden, 14 yrs, Michael Luck, 15 yrs, Alex McKeegan, 15 yrs and Jake Riches, 14 yrs. 

During the flight the cadets visited two other Royal Air Force stations, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire and RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, and experienced some high and low level flying.

Whilst at RAF Benson the cadets were able to visit 28 Squadron and were shown around a Merlin support helicopter, which was being serviced. This was particularly useful as the cadets are currently learning about airframes and propulsion in preparation for their cadet exams in March of this year.

To finish what was an action packed day the cadets were shown around the Chiltern Air Support Unit Police helicopter and got to see how the Police use aviation in support of their crime fighting activities.

Cadet Alex McKeegan who has never flown in a military helicopter before said, “It was fantastic, flying with the air force is better than anything I have ever experienced before.”

Adult Warrant Officer Taylor who organised the event said, “The cadets have had an enjoyable and educational day at RAF Benson and have broadened their knowledge of aviation both within and outside the Royal Air Force.”